Alright, last batch of gift ideas!
If you have a preteen, I’m going to be exactly zero help here…but if you have a toddler?! Got it.
We’re getting our son one of those crazy Thomas the Train train tables because despite the fact that the thing is approximately the size of the second floor of our house, he’s going to freak out over it. If you’d like to go the same route (large, expensive toy), may I suggest CraigsList? There are so many people whose kids have aged out of those big, pricey items and are desperate to get rid of them (we found a used version and it was worlds more affordable than it would have otherwise been).
But that’s just what we’re doing.
If you have a little one to buy for, some more suggestions for you:
1. Crewcuts sweatpants. Crewcuts stuff is generally a little too pricey for me, but I was in there the other day and stumbled upon the most adorable pair of colorblock sweatpants on sale – they’re cozy and well-made, have a cute little contrasting pocket, and can be rolled up if you want to buy them a little big and make them last longer. (I also bought them in the Camo print, which is backordered to April so won’t work for Christmas, but is recommended nevertheless, because it’s just so cute.)
2. A retro ride-on. The biplane might be my favorite, but this site has lots and lots of adorable options that you will love for the stylish throwback feel, and that your child will love because…it’s a ride-on. And all children love ride-ons. (P.S. I also spotted some awesome versions in T.J.Maxx not too long ago.)
3. A ukelele. Basically because it’s a kid-sized guitar, and there’s nothing cuter than a toddler playing a kid-sized guitar.
4. Penguins. Morgan bought my son this penguin slide toy for his birthday, and he has literally not stopped obsessing over it since, despite the fact that two of the penguins have been divested of the part of their bodies required to make the toy function, and the third one is either living under our couch or has been eaten by Virgil. It makes a crazy-annoying sound, and I don’t get it…but I don’t have to get it. He loves it. I think your child will love it, too.
5. Dinosaurs. The “How Do Dinosaurs” series (How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You, How Do Dinosaurs Go To Sleep, How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food, et cetera) is great. Add one of the book’s stars in toy form, and you have a surefire hit.
Teacher Gift Ideas…Straight From A Teacher (these ideas also work for Secret Santa gifts and colleagues)
